NNSL (Nov 19/97) - A co-operative initiative to build a gym, complete with climbing wall and track, is hanging by a thread.

The city had planned to enter into an agreement with Yellowknife Education District No. 1 for the facility. It would be built at Sir John Franklin high school, instead of integrated into a new community centre as originally proposed.

Under the plan, the city would contribute $1.6 million to expand existing plans for a new mini-gym at the school. The contribution was based on a construction estimate of $2.2 million prepared by the city's architect.

But in an Oct. 9 letter to the city, school board superintendent Ken Woodley said the board's architect estimated the cost at more than $3 million. He said the project could not go ahead unless the city contributed another $1.35 million.

"The alternatives are to decline participation or allocate another $1.35 million," explained community services committee chair Cheryl Best at a committee meeting Monday.

In his letter, Woodley said it may be possible to accommodate the city's goals by enhancing the existing gym.

Another consideration was a plan by a local health club to build a climbing wall of its own.

"We're planning to go ahead with it," said Daniel Arsenault of The Racquet Club. "We would like you to keep the recommendation (to not proceed with the Sir John gym climbing wall) and invite the schools to come over and use it so we can all be happy."

Ald. David Ramsay agreed, saying the city should not proceed with a project that could undermine a private business initiative.

At Ald. Kevin O'Reilly' suggestion, the committee elected to defer a decision on the matter until after a Dec. 1 public meeting to gather public input on the new community arena complex.